Boho Magic at Montejunto: A Family Story at Aba da Serra Wedding
Documentary Wedding Photography & Video
The morning was an emotional gauntlet for Neide. From the moment her daughter handed her the bouquet to the “First Look” with her father, the air was thick with meaning. However, the real show-stoppers were the couple’s two white Golden Retrievers. Capturing Neide’s reaction to her pups in her bridal gown was a highlight—it’s those unscripted, soulful moments that define the “Make Me Feel” photography style.
Photographer’s Note: Preps at Aba da Serra are a dream. The light interacts beautifully with the natural textures of the village setting, providing a soft, organic glow that perfectly matches a Boho aesthetic.
Why Choose Aba da Serra for Your Wedding?
If you are looking for a venue that feels tucked away from the world, this spot in Abrigada is a hidden gem:
The Mountain Backdrop: Situated at the foot of the Serra de Montejunto, the landscape provides a sense of scale and raw beauty that is hard to find near the city.
Rustic Refinement: The stone-walled rooms offer a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere that feels grounded and historic.
Pet-Friendly Atmosphere: As Neide and Bruno showed, this is a venue where your loyal companions are welcomed as part of the family.
A Ceremony of Stories and Olive Leaves
The ceremony was uniquely personal, conducted by two close friends who knew exactly which old stories would bring a tear to everyone’s eye. After a touching toast from their daughter, the couple walked out through a shower of olive leaves—a beautiful, Mediterranean alternative to rice that fits the Boho vibe perfectly.
There’s a profound intimacy in an outdoor ceremony when the clouds roll in. The colors become richer, and the focus tightens on the vows.
The "No-Pose" Night Hour Session
Neide and Bruno were very clear: they wanted to spend every possible second with their guests. This meant our photo session happened after the sun disappeared in the backgroun. Meaning using some of my continuous artificial lights and do something quick in 5 minutes because a couple with a daughter almost in college just want to go eat and enjoy their wedding. As a documentary photographer, I love this. No forced, artificial poses—just the couple walking through the estate grounds in the fading light, letting the day unfold naturally.
Dinner in the Stone Room
The party moved into Aba da Serra’s iconic rustic stone room. The lighting design here is critical; it transformed the rugged stone walls into a warm, charming sanctuary. The contrast between the cool mountain air outside and the glowing, high-energy party inside made for incredible images.
FAQ: Planning Your Aba da Serra Wedding
Aba da Serra is very accommodating for “furry family members.” The open outdoor spaces make it easy for dogs to be part of the ceremony and the cocktail hour. I always recommend having a designated “dog sitter” (a friend or professional) to help manage them so you can focus on the camera!
Because of the mountain range, the sun sets a bit earlier here, creating a long, beautiful “blue hour.” If you want those moody, romantic, almost-nighttime portraits like Neide and Bruno, this is the perfect location.
Stone walls are fantastic for photography because they provide incredible texture. However, they absorb a lot of light. It is essential to have a good lighting setup (warm uplights or fairy lights) to bring out the detail in the stone and ensure your party photos feel cozy rather than dark.
If you’re planning a Aba da Serra in Serra do Montejunto, or elsewhere in Portugal and want photography and videography that feels calm, honest, and deeply human, you’re in the right place.
